In a desperate attempt to combat rampant shoplifting, New York City pharmacies and supermarkets are resorting to extreme measures, including locking up ice cream pints in chained freezers. The Upper West Side's Fairway supermarket has implemented anti-theft devices on each $6 pint of ice cream, as reported by the New York Post. These security tags can only be deactivated at the checkout counter. This trend is spreading across the city, with retailers scrambling to find solutions to deter theft.
Duane Reade stores have also joined the fray, securing their ice cream freezers with padlocks and chains. An employee informed the Post that this drastic action was necessary due to shoplifters frequently raiding their freezers using garbage bags. Independent grocers and retail shop owners have united to form a political coalition, demanding action from politicians and law enforcement to address the escalating crime.
Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro attributes the rise in shoplifting to bail reform laws enacted during Mayor Bill de Blasio's tenure. These laws reduced penalties for shoplifting, effectively emboldening retail criminals. Mauro explained on "America Reports" that shoplifting, typically categorized as larceny, carries minimal consequences under these reforms. Perpetrators often receive the equivalent of a summons and are released, making the system ineffective, especially for homeless individuals who often disregard the summonses.
Even over-the-counter medications like Excedrin are now kept under lock and key in many NYC pharmacies, highlighting the severity of the situation. Data from Mayor Eric Adams' office reveals a 78% surge in retail theft complaints in Manhattan since 2018, with a 44% increase in 2022 alone.
Mayor Adams has proposed a plan to tackle this issue, including de-escalation training for retail workers and installing kiosks in stores to connect potential shoplifters with social services. However, this plan has been met with criticism, with some likening it to putting unruly children in "time out" and others expressing concerns that it could exacerbate the city's safety issues.
